Robert Anthony Salah

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Robert Anthony Salah on Thursday, February 5, 2026. The youngest of four children born to Anthony John (Tony) and Josephine Theresa (Josie) Salah, Robert had an idyllic childhood exploring the streets of historic Halifax with his cronies by day, returning home to the bosom of a large extended family. It is during those years that Robert developed an abiding love for Halifax that informed many of his future endeavors.

Robert attended St. Mary’s Boys School, St Pat’s High, and Saint Mary’s University where he earned degrees in both Engineering Management and Commerce. His professional career spanned both private and public sector organizations, but his true passions were realized through his volunteerism. In the early 1990s Robert initiated a project that rebuilt the granite steeple and narthex of St. Mary’s Cathedral Basilica; refaced the church’s façade and culminated in complete reroofing of the structure. The project involved considerable masonry work and earned Robert a Medal of Merit from the Archdiocese of Halifax. He subsequently envisioned and coordinated the installation of new granite fencing around the property to complete the restoration. In 2003 Robert was Vice Chair of the Public Gardens Foundation and worked tirelessly on the restoration of the Gardens following Hurricane Juan, for him a very rewarding project. Along with his cousins, Robert initiated the restoration of St. Mary’s Basilica Glebe – a project that earned a Built Heritage Award from Heritage Trust of Nova Scotia in 2012. His contributions are recognized on plaques at two ends of Spring Garden Rd.

Robert was a man of strong faith and true conviction – an active member of his faith community in multiple capacities. Kind and generous by nature, he treated everyone as equal and was quick to lend a hand to those in need. When he gave his word, you could count on it. Robert was an avid sailor, having fun up and down the Eastern Seaboard for several decades as crew on Nauti Rowdy. While they enjoyed their antics by night, it was all business when the starting gun went off.

A car enthusiast, Robert loved his “spins” in the MG and could often be seen cruising Spring Garden Rd. with Elton John or Billy Joel playing full volume. He took great pride in the condition of the car, completely refurbishing it in recent years. (He would sometimes take the engine apart just to give it a good cleaning!) A mister “Fix It” of the highest order, Robert was called upon along Ivanhoe and beyond to help find solutions to every kind of maintenance problem from leaky faucets to failed snowblowers and he did it all with enthusiasm and a desire to help.

But above all else, Robert was a dedicated family man. A loving husband, a doting father, a loyal son and brother, he was there to solve our problems, provide advice (sometimes unsolicited!) and ensure a strong sense of security. He showed us what dedication and unconditional love looked like, every day.

Robert’s health threw him a few curve balls the last few years, but he never let them define him. He met each new diagnosis with determination and dignity. He wasn’t ready to give up without a fight because he had too much to live for - he resisted to the very end. We’ve lost our hero and there’s a huge gap in our hearts, but in time, we’ll try to take comfort in the knowledge that he is embraced, once again, by that large extended family.

Robert is survived by his wife Gail (Levangie), son Anthony John, daughter Adriane (Charlie Hill), brothers Ron of Halifax, Ken (Judy Guse Salah) of Toronto and brother-in-law Robert (Bob) Leck of Chicago, as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews who will miss him dearly. He was predeceased by his parents and sister JoAnne Leck.

Visitation will take place at J. A. Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Dr. on Sunday, February 8, 2026 from 3-5 pm. Funeral Mass will take place on Monday, February 9, 2026 at 10am at St. Mary’s Cathedral Basilica, 5221 Spring Garden Rd. Reception to follow.

Online condolences may be made by visiting: www.jasnowfuneralhome.com

The family would like to extend special thanks to the incredible staff on 7A VG site and to the angels at Halifax Hospice for their compassionate and attentive care and assistance in making a miracle happen.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Souls Harbour, St. Mary's Basilica or Hospice Halifax.